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Craig got in touch quickly, gave me a rough estimate over the phone and answered all my questions. Surveyor arrived on time, gave instant quote. Price was good. Michael and (another) Craig turned up to do the job on the day, time given. Good, tidy job. Can't fault anything, from start to finish!! Would recommend!
Mary
George and his team are experienced builders, replaced my front door with a custom frame/sidelights and raising the floor level in the hallway quite quickly - in fact, they were the only who came next day, gave a quote straightaway and were ready to start in just couple of days. They also had all the necessary tools and materials, were ready to buy something additional quickly on the day - if further adjustments were required to fit everything as I asked. Thanks a lot for your help, guys!
Dmitry
Highly recommend. These guys did a fantastic job of constructing our pergola and decking. Very hardworking and reliable. The job was completed in the time frame agreed and to a very high standard. We would 100% use them again.
Holly
Foundations, underpinning and piling are complex, technical services that require the know-how of specialist groundworkers and engineers. More than any other part of your home, it pays to invest in solid foundations, so find a professional you can trust today.
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Underpinning, piling and foundation construction – Rated People
When it comes to foundations and underpinning, the name tells you everything you need to know about their importance to your home. This specialist groundwork quite literally provides the base your home is built on. And that’s why it’s absolutely vital the professionals you use are experienced experts who know what they’re doing.
The complexity of foundations (and underpinning or piling, if required) depends on the structure you’re building, and the state of the ground your home or plot sits on. Basic foundations involve filling trenches (dug precisely according to plans) with a layer of solid concrete and then building blockwork up to ground level. Alternatively, an entire trench can be filled with concrete to just below ground level before adding damp proof coursing.
Piling is becoming an increasing popular alternative to standard footings or foundations. It involves driving piles into the ground, which are made from steel, concrete or even wood. A ground beam then sits atop the foundation, which your structure can be built on.
Underpinning is required when existing foundations have become defective, and to counter issues like subsidence. The appropriate method will be recommended by an experienced groundwork specialist and potentially a structural engineer too. The standard approach to underpinning involves excavating specific sections below the footing and reinforcing them with concrete. Piling techniques provide an alternative to traditional underpinning and can be used in situations where there’s restricted access. Not only is piling faster than standard underpinning, but it has a higher load capability and less disruption. Those benefits come at a cost though, and you’ll find piling is significantly pricier than standard concrete underpinning.
Cost of foundations, underpinning and piling
It pays to invest in foundations, but quite how much you’ll need to invest depends on the type of foundations you require. Basic foundation laying involves the following steps (excluding site clearance and the setting out of footings):
- Excavation: £7-£10 per sqm
- Laying foundations (concrete and blockwork): £40-£60 per sqm
Piling costs are typically significantly higher than standard foundations – anywhere from 2-3 times more expensive than the concrete and blockwork method.
Similarly, underpinning costs vary according to the issue that needs to be resolved, and the method selected. For mass concrete underpinning you can expect to pay between £1,000-£2,000 per linear metre.
How to build a foundation
Basic foundations follow a fairly simple process. After you’ve consulted a structural engineer and have all the necessary plans approved, the first step is to dig out trenches. Your groundwork professional may recommend a ground survey before any digging begins. This process involves creating trial holes to ensure the foundation method you plan to use is appropriate. With (or without) that survey complete, footings can then be dug to the agreed level.
The next phase involves laying concrete into the base of the trench to at least 250mm in depth. Blockwork is then built up to floor level. This method is called a strip foundation. Alternatively, a technique known as “trenchfill” involves (unsurprisingly) filling the trench with concrete to just below ground level. Both methods are completed with the application of a damp-proof course onto which the ground floor can be installed.
How does piling work
There are three main piling techniques: screw piling, pile and beam, and piled raft.
Screw piling is the simplest piling technique to execute. A small crew of ground-workers can install screw piles and brackets by hand or with the assistance of a small excavator. This method is well-suited to walls and larger structures, when used with supporting brackets. Screw piling offers a number of benefits, including ease of installation, lower costs and reduced environmental impact.
The pile and beam method involves installing mini-piles either side of a wall. Brickwork can then be removed below the affected wall, and a reinforced concrete needle beam inserted to connect the piles. The pile and beam technique is well-suited to homes on smaller plots, or with restricted access. It’s also faster and less messy than traditional mass concrete underpinning and is capable of bearing high loads.
Finally, there’s the piled raft approach. Piled raft foundations are required when an entire building needs to be underpinned, when foundations can’t be accessed or where soil conditions aren’t suitable for any other method. Piles are placed into the ground and needle beams are installed to help bear the load. A ring beam links the needles together and the structure is then filled with concrete.
When does a house need underpinning?
Cracked walls, ceilings or flooring are the tell-tale signs that you may need to have all or part of your home underpinned. Diagonal cracks, or those that reach a quarter of an inch or larger, are classic symptoms of faulty foundations, or problematic ground conditions. More severe warning signs are walls beginning to buckle. Underpinning, either using the mass concrete method or any of the piling techniques outlined above, can help to remedy these problems.
While underpinning is usually associated with foundation problems, it can also be required if you’re planning to add another floor to a building, or if it needs to stand up to increased load-bearing requirements.
The qualifications your foundation, piling or underpinning professional needs
Foundations and piling or underpinning will almost always require the expertise of a structural engineer. They will be able to advise on load bearing considerations, as well as the most appropriate technique to use (taking ground and soil conditions into account). Choose an experienced professional who holds chartered status from the Institution of Structural Engineers.
The groundworkers carrying out your excavation work should also be experienced, though they won’t need formal accreditation. A diploma, City and Guilds qualification or evidence of completing an apprenticeship is always helpful, but ultimately you should look for a proven track record of delivering groundwork services to a high standard and complete customer satisfaction.
Planning permission for foundation, piling or underpinning work
How and where you lay foundations will be determined by the planning permission you’ve been granted. This will be decided by your local planning authority, and unless an unforeseen issue crops up you’ll need to stick closely to what you’ve been given permission for.
When it comes to underpinning, you won’t require planning permission to remedy a fault with your foundations. The only exception here is a listed building, which may have certain limitations.
Insurance for foundation, piling or underpinning work
It’s crucial that your professional holds public liability insurance, to cover your property against damage. Such is the importance of this work, most structural engineers will also hold professional indemnity insurance, protecting them in case anything goes wrong with the services they’ve provided.
Questions you should ask your foundation, piling or underpinning professional
- For standard foundations, which method would they use (and why)?
- Will they be using a strip or trenchfill foundation?
- For underpinning, which technique would they advise on (and why)?
- For piling, what is the most cost-effective option available?
- Can they provide a warranty (or do they have professional indemnity insurance) to cover their work?
M&A Property Specialists LTD is a family run business covering all aspects of Joinery and Building works. We thrive on the quality and finish of the projects we undertake. We have our own architects and structural engineers who provide all the required details for extensions, conversions and new builds. APL also organise all site visits with building inspectors to give customers peace of mind and a hassle free service. At M&A we use our own 3D CAD system in order to design any new kitchens we are to supply and install, we can include these in to Architecht plans to give you a visual of the room once completed. All our kitchens are high standard and all our doors we use are FIRA gold approved, we mainly use painted doors but if you want a more of a budget door we can use the vinyl wrap doors. About myself: I have been in the Joinery and building industry for 20 years with a huge vast experience in all trades and I know what to expect from various tradesmen from a finishing point. All electrical work and gas work is all completed by approved and qualified tradesmen. My main trade is joinery but in the 20 years of being in the building game I have gained the experience in each aspect in the building game which has its advantages when project managing a job whilst being on site working. M&A look forward to providing competitive quotations for our customers and working with yourselves as we have just came back to rated people. Payments to M&A can be made via Bank transfer, Cash or Credit/Debit card
Anthony was brilliant, fitted a new kitchen in my Daughters home, absolutely delighted with the service and the quality. would highly recommend APL .. Dave
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At Chingford Home Improvements, we believe that true luxury is defined by more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that reflect your aspirations and enhance the quality of your life. With a commitment to impeccable design, flawless execution, and exceptional customer care, we turn homes into personalized havens of comfort and elegance.
Hello, and welcome to Home Fixology – your friendly neighbourhood home improvement experts! At Home Fixology, we don’t just fix homes; we build trust through a personal touch that turns every project into a unique journey. If you want to see our growing portfolio of reviews, you can check us out on UK TRUSTPILOT: Home Fixology We're on FACEBOOK too: homefixologyltd Services we provide: Roof restorations: Repairing and refurbishing roofs to improve their structural integrity and appearance. #ProPERLA #Renotec Wall coatings: Applying coatings or finishes to exterior walls to protect them from weather damage and enhance their aesthetics. #ProPERLA Driveway restorations: Repairing and refurbishing driveways to improve their appearance and durability. #Resiblock Flat roof services: Repairing or replacing flat roofs to prevent leaks and water damage. #FirestoneRubberRoof Render repairs: Fixing and maintaining render on exterior walls for structural integrity and aesthetic purposes. Loft insulation: Installing insulation in lofts or attics to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. #SuperFOIL Damp proofing: Treating and preventing dampness and moisture issues in buildings to protect against structural damage and mould growth.
ABOUT US: At Safeway Build Ltd, we understand that your house is more than just bricks and mortar, it is your home. This is why we pride ourselves on delivering a reliable and personalised service to all our customers throughout the local area. Ever since opening our doors back in 2001, we’ve been committed to our clients’ unique project needs and achieving their utmost satisfaction with our work. More about our owner, Florin Nazare is a trained professional and has been a member of the FMB (Federation of Master Builders) since 2014. With someone who's worked in this industry for little over 20 years, you are certain to have a perfect end result to all of your projects. We offer an extensive range of services, all of which are carried out to the very highest standards of quality and safety. We offer free, no obligation quotations to assess your individual requirements and will always treat your home with the utmost care and respect. Building a relationship with our clients and their homes is what connects us more with the job in hand, which is why we are able to give you exactly what you wanted. Whether you are looking for loft conversions or extensions, all our services are carried out carefully, efficiently and to an exceptionally high standard of quality. We are happy to undertake any domestic work. At Safeway Build Ltd, no job is too big or too small. If your property is located out of our regions of operations, feel free to contact us as we may see to be able to work something out! WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: - New Builds - Extensions - Renovations - Loft Conversions - Alterations - General Building - Conversions - Refurbishments - Kitchens - Bathrooms - Carpentry - Tiling - Decorating - Plumbing - Electrical Work WE OPERATE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: SE London, SW London, S London, Sutton, Croydon, Beckenham, Sydenham, Dulwich, Bromley, Kent, and Surrey Areas
Florin fitted my new bathroom and kitchen . He was very polite, always punctual and reliable and completed the work to a high standard. I would use his services again and recommend him for installation of bathrooms and kitchens.
KL joinery services offering all types of joinery work
We were looking to change 7 internal doors and Kieran was first to reply , he came to see then he sent us the price for doors to buy and deliver and fully installed , when we accepted he came out on time and finished the job in one day and we are very happy with the work , thank you again Kieran .
Over 30 years trade experience
Great work, came when he said he would and did a great job. thoroughly recommend.
Hi here at DC we aim to leave our customers 100% happy with the structure and manner of our work we strive to complete any task no job to big or small
Prompt and very reassuring as I was in a panic. Temp repair within a couple of hours which fully held the torrential rain out. Scaffold arrived next day and the roof fully repaired by the end of the day. They even cleaned my gutter while they were up there! Kept me fully informed throughout, with photos of what they had done, and has rung since to make sure everything is OK in the terrible weather. Would definitely recommend.
JS All Trades
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
We have just started on rated people and are looking to build our reviews up! Hard working team that likes to get the job done can do a number of things to make you enjoy your home again! Joinery Fencing Decking Landscaping Garden maintenance Carpet fitters Paint and decorators Sparky
Danny General Builders specialises in structural work, extensions, refurbishing, loft conversions, roofing, fitting bathrooms and kitchens, and painting and decorating. All employees have more than 10 years experience and are insured.
Danny did an absolutely great job with my set of alcove shelves. He was friendly, diligent, extremely polite and did an excellent job. Highly recommend
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐We are a family based company with years experience we thrive to be the best and trusted roofing and building company in London with or team haveing there training with some of the top schools in London you know for sure your getting the best at a reasonable cost every time with every project .⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
MAC Plastering
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
While we proudly offer a comprehensive range of services, we’re particularly renowned for our expertise in two key areas: roofing and external rendering. Whether you require a new roof installation, expert repairs, or a beautifully rendered exterior to enhance your property’s aesthetics and protect it from the elements, Mac Construction has the skills and resources to deliver outstanding work. Our meticulous approach ensures durable, long-lasting results that stand the test of time. Beyond our specialities, we're also equipped to handle a wide spectrum of general building projects. From minor repairs to full renovations, our team’s versatility means we can seamlessly integrate these projects into your overall vision. We act as reliable and experienced contractors, managing the project efficiently and ensuring that it meets your specific needs and expectations. Time-Served Tradesmen: Our team brings years of experience and expertise to every project, guaranteeing high-quality workmanship. Comprehensive Services: From routine repairs to ambitious extensions, we have the skills to deliver on a wide variety of building projects. Specialized Expertise: Focused skills in roofing and external rendering mean we can offer exceptional, detailed results in these critical areas. Trusted Contractors: For larger projects, we act as your reliable construction partner, ensuring a smooth and successful build. Commitment to Quality: We are dedicated to achieving the highest standards in every project we undertake.
AJD Builders
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
I've around 15 years experience having established my business 10years ago. Customer satisfaction is very important to me and excellent customer service is at the heart of my business.
Over 20 years' experience High standards of workmanship Fully qualified team of builders and joiners Associated with the Apprenticeship scheme of the Construction Industry Training Board Competitive pricing Free, no obligation quotation
Beautiful carpentry work , attention to detail is amazing, hes gone the extra mile to help us transform our home. Would recommend for all joinery work doors ,door frames, bannister, skirting, loft hatch, flooring and plastering. Very good price also. Very approachable with better ideas. Have recommended Tom to everyone I know!.
collins and sons
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
High Level Carpentry & Joinery LTD
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
I’ve been trading over 10 years cover all aspect of carpentry and building works I’ve got An amazing friendly team that cover all aspect from the footing all the way to final day of sign off .
John worked extremely hard to fulfil our brief & also had great vision when considering possibilities. He understood our needs and ensured all snagging was carried out before completion. All builders are currently pushed to the limit with supplies and staffing - John managed this to the best of his ability and was always polite, helpful and friendly.
Aubrey Construction & Maintenance
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
We are a small family run business, established in 1989 in honour of our late mother, Audrey. With decades of experience, we take pride in delivering high-quality workmanship in all types of construction work; new builds, refurbishment, extensions, garage & loft conversions, patio/driveway cleaning & repointing. Every project treated with care and professionalism no matter the size.
RDG Home Extensions & Roofing Services
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
Professional home extensions and roofing services across Surrey, London and the Home Counties. With over 30 years' experience, we specialise in single & double storey extensions, loft conversions, car ports, garages and garden rooms. Our roofing services include design and build of all roof types, fascias, soffits, guttering, repairs, cleaning and chimney maintenance.
Hi I am based in north London and offer a wide range of services, from groundworks ie: foundations, pouring concrete, drainage, steel erection, to complete extensions, also all Demolition work, roofing work, patio and driveway work undertaken, I have never advertised for work in 37 years in london, always went straight from one job to another,but this past year has been hard, so please look at my profile pictures and contact me regarding any work big or small, I have thousands of photos going back years of work done, ps underpinning aswell, thank you pat.
Patrick did a great job in brickwork (opening our kitchen window aperture), pointing and skimming. He went along our tight schedule and provided helpful advice and a fair price. I strongly commend his work. Thank you Pat!
We are a small team covering many aspects of construction from new builds and extensions to groundworks and renovations. A tradesman's project is also a customers well spent dream so whether it be a large intricate project or a simple garden wall we aim to give our customers satisfaction and confidence right through to a top quality finish.
Craig & Ergest resurfaced my drive and garage floor ahead of doing my Workshop conversion. Found them to be reliable and professional in their work - pleased with the outcome
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